France says too early to hold talks with Balkans on EU membership

• France wanted to send a "positive" signal to those Balkan countries on their long-term prospects for joining the bloc

France wanted to send a "positive" signal to those Balkan countries on their long-term prospects for joining the bloc, the official also said.

France stuck to its hardline position against European Union membership talks for North Macedonia and Albania on Tuesday, warning it could not approve negotiations until the EU reformed the "endless soap opera" of admitting new members.